Healthy Start

Families on certain benefits can receive free fruit, veg, milk and vitamins

Pregnant women and parents with children under four in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for Healthy Start vouchers to spend on fruit, vegetables and milk. Following an announcement from the government the value of the vouchers will be increasing to the following rates from the 1st April 2021:

• Pregnant women will receive one voucher each week worth £4.25
• Babies under one year old get two vouchers each week worth in total £8.50
• Children aged from one to four years get one voucher each week worth £4.25
• If you have more than one child under the age of 4 you will receive multiple vouchers for each child or pregnancy.

Application forms are available to download or you can call the Healthy Start helpline on 0345 607 6823 to request an application form via post or email.

PLEASE NOTE: the form states that a health professional needs to sign part B however this is no longer the case and forms should be submitted with the applicant signing part A.

Healthy Start vitamins, suitable for babies, children and pregnant and breastfeeding women, are available in many Children’s Centres across the County. People eligible for Healthy Start can collect vitamins for free in exchange for their voucher. People that don’t qualify can still buy Healthy Start vitamins for 80p (pregnant and breastfeeding women) and £1.60 (vitamin drops for babies and children). Contact your local Children’s Centre for details.